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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> I fill My own E tanks http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1225507210 Message started by shark boy on Oct 31^st, 2008 at 10:40pm

Title: I fill My own E tanks
Post by shark boy on Oct 31^st, 2008 at 10:40pm

I am a huge fan of using 02 to abort. Chuck sharing his knowledge on all the terminology and how to use, is a gift to all in need. What I have to share is not as important and also NOT everyone could do this. But if this helps a few it would make my day.

I was cautioned by someone in his group when I stated"I self inject D.H.E." that it is dangerous to some. So I want to put out a big disclaimer here before I start. Without the proper approved equipment and knowledge what I'm about to say is dangerous.

I have 3- "T" tanks (these are the largest tanks you can get before you go to liquid) I keep one tank in the house (me safe place) the other two in the garage to be rotated in. Of the two tanks in the garage I have mounted on one approved transfer stainless flex line in which I fill my E tanks. I fill the first 3 tanks to 2000lb. then around 8 more tanks till I reach 1500lb. After that I will either top off with the other full tank or rotate it to the house. I was motivated to do this not to save money but not to run out of air. But after reading on what some of you pay of o2 this could save a few bucks and it's kinda nice not to run out of air in your E tanks. I have been doing this for at least 15 years. To get my T tanks filled with med 02 cost me less than 20 bucks a tank and I fill all my e tanks off of them. If you think this could be for you and you don't want to blow yourself or your home up contact a professional.....

heres to all of you that your tank does not run dry
Shark Boy

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by thebbz on Oct 31^st, 2008 at 10:46pm

Photos..? Very interested. Lets see that rig up.
cool beans
the bb

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by TarHeel-blues on Oct 31^st, 2008 at 10:48pm

wow 20 bucks for t-tank thats practically free :o sign me up

how did you go about getting your t-tanks in the first place ?

-jason-

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by shark boy on Oct 31^st, 2008 at 11:17pm

Photos....O.K. man you got me, I dont know how to post a photo but my kids do, I think I have a few pictures left on a role I will take a few and get one of them over here to help post.

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by vietvet2tours on Oct 31^st, 2008 at 11:17pm

wrote on Oct 31^st, 2008 at 10:46pm:

Photos..? Very interested. Lets see that rig up.
cool beans
the bb

I'm with John. Show us pics.

Potter

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by MrsT on Nov 1^st, 2008 at 3:52pm

Hi. Technical support husband here. Can you describe the fill manifold you made to go from the 540 T tank fitting to the E tank? I'm assuming any flex stainless rated to 3000+ psi will work in between, and the 540 fitting should be easily obtainable. Where did you get the E tank fitting?

Thanks much,

Husband of Mrs. T

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by ClusterChuck on Nov 1^st, 2008 at 4:56pm

MrsT wrote on Nov 1^st, 2008 at 3:52pm:

Where did you get the E tank fitting?

My favorite supply catalog, failed me this time. Whenever I am looking for something like that, I go to McMaster-Carr. BUT, I couldn't find a CGA870 connector in it.

If I was to attempt this, I think I would buy a regulator, with a CGA870 connector (E, D type tank), and a DSS connector. The I would try it just like that with the manifold hose connected to the DSS fitting. If THAT didn't work, I would disassemble the regulator, and remove all the valves and stuff, on the interior, and then go with it, again with the manifold hose connected to the DSS outlet.

BTW, if anyone needs any CGA540 connector nipples and nuts, please let me know. I bought a bunch of them a while ago, when I needed to replace one of mine, and wanted to have spares. Now, in case anyone needed them, I have them.

Chuck

PS: Before posting this, I did a quick Google search, and lo and behold, look what I found!:
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Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by MrsT on Nov 1^st, 2008 at 6:41pm

Yes, I tried McMaster Carr and Grainger to no avail. You did remind me hat I had saved a link for a 870 Yoke fitting:
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END PRINTPAGE, if I want to do my own. I won't need the 540 fittings, as I'll use the welding regulator on the O2 tank and pipe to the 870.

I have thought of gutting the 870 8 LPM regulator, and may yet do that.

Thanks...Randy, husband of Mrs. T

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Jonny on Nov 1^st, 2008 at 6:47pm

Potter wrote on Oct 31^st, 2008 at 11:17pm:

wrote on Oct 31^st, 2008 at 10:46pm:

Photos..? Very interested. Lets see that rig up.
cool beans
the bb

I'm with John. Show us pics.

Potter

Ditto.........show it! ;)

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Racer1_NC on Nov 1^st, 2008 at 6:55pm

Seems I remember someone (Batch?) coming up with something on this a while back.....I've seen the equipment in question somewhere before but didn't give it much thought as I wasn't interested in doing my own refilling....

B

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by shark boy on Nov 1^st, 2008 at 6:58pm

I took the pictures this mornig and spent most of the day getting them into the computer I think the problem was I was watching the race at the same time. Well their in and I'm going to wait for one of the girls to help me with the rest.

To answer a few questions, I did not make the transfer line mself, my distributor made it. It's very simple, it starts out with the female connector to the T tank then to a brass tee fitting a guage mounted on top and a stainless line to the E tank fitting, that's all their is to it.

I get all my regulators and med 02 from Praxair. The tubing and masks from a med supply store.

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by thebbz on Nov 1^st, 2008 at 10:51pm

Quote:

Photos....O.K. man you got me, I dont know how to post a photo but my kids do, I think I have a few pictures left on a role I will take a few and get one of them over here to help post.

Hell ,email them to me and I will post them ;)
thebbz@msn.com

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by shark boy on Nov 3^rd, 2008 at 12:26am

BBZ check your E mail....

shark boy

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by ClusterChuck on Nov 3^rd, 2008 at 1:17am

This is the premade tank fillup that is in this link:
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They want $144.99 for it. It would take several refills before it would be paid for, but looks like a decent deal.

Chuck

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by DennisM1045 on Nov 3^rd, 2008 at 7:51am

How would you prevent a lot of stress on the fittings with this setup?

An e-tank is a lot smaller than an m-tank. Do you have to hold the e-tank steady under one arm and work the valves with the other hand? I'd think a flexible hose would be more practical.

Just my 2 cents...

-Dennis-

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by thebbz on Nov 3^rd, 2008 at 10:50am

Hot off the press!!! Thanks sharkboy.
I gotta get one of these.
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Thanks again sharkboy. These should answer your questions Dennis.
the bb 8-)

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by ClusterChuck on Nov 3^rd, 2008 at 12:18pm

OK, I see the pictures, but I don't see how it could possibly work, the way the pictures show.
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After all, the pressure gauge is upside down. THEREFORE the big tank needs to be turned over, so the valve/gauge are on the floor, and the bottom of the tank is in the air.

THAT way, the oxygen just runs out, into the other tank. Right? (Working VERY hard to keep a straight face)

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OK, let me try to be serious, for a second.

Obviously, the hose is better. but either way, it looks like you need something to set the "E" tank on top of. The exact semantics are workable, regardless of the setup you use.

I think it is a great idea.

I just wish there was a way to do it, without turning the big tank on its head ...

Chuck

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by thebbz on Nov 3^rd, 2008 at 12:27pm

Just rotate the photo Chuck. It's easier that way. ;D

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by DennisM1045 on Nov 3^rd, 2008 at 1:35pm

Ok, another dumb question (or two)...

How do you accurately control the amount of O2 and the ultimate pressure in the e-tank? If you turn the valve on the big tank on won't the two equalize? Do you simply time it?

-Dennis-

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by shark boy on Nov 3^rd, 2008 at 10:11pm

Dennis, I open the valve on the E tank first then slowly open the T tank till the presure equalizes. When the T tank is full with 2000lb it takes about 20 seconds to slowly fill the E tank. The E tank will get warm to the touch. When the process is finished close both valves and slowly open the t handle on the E tank fitting to let the 02 escape thats traped between the two tanks, then continue taking off the fitting on your E tank and you have completed the process.

Shark Boy....

Hey, thanks bb for posting the pictures..

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Racer1_NC on Nov 4^th, 2008 at 12:56am

Ok...I KNEW I had seen something about this before....

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Transfillers and adapters for all sorts of different tank connections. I believe there is even one there to adapt a welders tank to a medical regulator.

B

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Marc on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 5:10pm

Racer1_NC wrote on Nov 4^th, 2008 at 12:56am:

Ok...I KNEW I had seen something about this before....

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Transfillers and adapters for all sorts of different tank connections. I believe there is even one there to adapt a welders tank to a medical regulator.

B

And I thank you for the link! I leaving now to pick up a T tank.

I just ordered a transfill hose kit from him today. Paul, the owner, is a nice guy to deal with. I went CGA540 to CGA540 to fit my home tank and the rented T size welding tank. I already have a CGA540 regulator with a gauge, so I ordered this one:

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I also ordered some CGA540 to CGA870 adaptors like this so I can fill small tanks too.

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I may end up with a spare adaptor or two like the one above, if someone needs one..............

Marc

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by MrsT on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 5:28pm

Hi, Marc. Seems like their TR-875 is the quickest, all-in-one solution. Others run $125 and up. My husband just talked with Airgas people, and adapters can easily be found (and cheap). Of course, the flex hose is the problem, and they were no help. So we just may get the TR-875.

I'm currently using 80 CF welder's cylinders, so it wouldn't fill more than one or two E tanks at the most. H tank is on its way, so I'm hoping it'll fill at least 3 E tanks (3 is all I got anyway!).

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Marc on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 6:16pm

MrsT wrote on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 5:28pm:

Hi, Marc. Seems like their TR-875 is the quickest, all-in-one solution. Others run $125 and up. My husband just talked with Airgas people, and adapters can easily be found (and cheap). Of course, the flex hose is the problem, and they were no help. So we just may get the TR-875. That's why I went the adaptor route.

I'm currently using 80 CF welder's cylinders, so it wouldn't fill more than one or two E tanks at the most. H tank is on its way, so I'm hoping it'll fill at least 3 E tanks (3 is all I got anyway!).

Yup, the TR-875 is perfect - except that I need to fill tanks with both type of fittings. I actually do have E tanks with CGA540 fittings/gauges/valves. Plus now I can get a smaller tank to go under the seat of my pickup.

When you place the order online, Paul will send you an email asking if could possibly send a check to help reduce his costs. I ordered mine today and he shiiped it. My check goes in the mail in morning.

I searched around for the hose, but the cheapest I could find (with a 3000 psi O2 rating) was $60. so I bought Paul's kit.

I just got home with my T tank - ahhhhh......no more running out! Refills are $18.75 here in my small town. I was paying $14. for an E tank refill through my medical gas supplier. :) If I recall, a T tank is about 300 cu ft which is in the range of a dozen or so E tanks. I'd have to look it up to be sure.

As SharkBoy pointed out, you will get increasingly less high pressure fills of the smaller tanks as the big tank gets used, but my CG540 regulator fits right on the T tank. Good to the last ounce...........

Marc

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by MrsT on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 6:56pm

Quote:

I actually do have E tanks with CGA540 fittings/gauges/valves. Plus now I can get a smaller tank to go under the seat of my pickup.

Funny you mention that......my husband was wondering whether he could put a CGA540 fitting on the E tank or buy a 20 CCF cylinder with 540. 540 to 540 makes it easier.

Quote:

I searched around for the hose, but the cheapest I could find (with a 3000 psi O2 rating) was $60. so I bought Paul's kit.

Yikes. Thanks, I'll tell my husband not to waste time looking for a cheap hose.

Quote:

I just got home with my T tank - ahhhhh......no more running out! Refills are $18.75 here in my small town. I was paying $14. for an E tank refill through my medical gas supplier. :) If I recall, a T tank is about 300 cu ft which is in the range of a dozen or so E tanks. I'd have to look it up to be sure.

Not sure if it's a CA thing (I'm sure it is)......O2 ain't cheap here! 80 CCF is somewhere between $25 and $35. And once labeled "medical", the price jumps 5x.

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Marc on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 7:05pm

I think I misled you. Just to clarify:

- I've switched over to welding O2 after doing very, very extensive research - they are in fact identical gasses from the same source.

- I moved from Morro Bay, CA to Bastrop, TX in June. The $14. I was paying was for medical O2 E tanks in CA which are 684 liters - about 24 cu ft. The $18.75 is from a welding supply house here in Texas. I went with welding O2 because I don't have a new Neuro here yet and the locals won't accept my O2 precription from CA. Plus my insurance puts O2 under a "surgical" category with a $500. deductible.

- My new welding T tank is on a lease at $45 per year and $18.75 per refill/exchange.

Marc

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Kilowatt3 on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 10:17pm

Marc wrote on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 7:05pm:

I moved from Morro Bay, CA to Bastrop, TX in June.

Hey Marc!
Congrats on the move - Bastrop is a really beautiful place! I was in the B/CS area for about 7 years ('83-'89) and used to go over to Bastrop S.P. to camp & fish & stuff. Still do when I can, but I'm about 250 miles away now...
Hope you enjoy your new digs!

Regards,
Jim

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Marc on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 10:29pm

Thanks Jim!

It really is nice here among the pines. We are right on the other side of Hwy 71 from the state park - about a mile and half. Coming from where I lived, I feel like we live in a State Park. Pretty darn nice from my perspective - and affordable!

I have to ask - where did you get the 3KW name? You have me wondering......

Marc

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by vietvet2tours on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 10:46pm

Marc wrote on Nov 7^th, 2008 at 7:05pm:

I just love a success story.

potter

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by MrsT on Nov 8^th, 2008 at 12:44am

You didn't mislead me, Marc...... E tank refill/swap was $20 in the early 90's here LOL. I never paid a dime for O2 in the past, always covered by my insurance 100%. This time the first place I checked was $75 (yes, $75 for the puny E tank!), so I'm assuming all the major suppliers I've used in the past (Apria, Corum, Airgas, etc.) should be $65-75. Welder's cylinder, 80 CCF is between $25 and $35 now. That's why we've been contemplating on refilling my E tanks from a welder's cylinder without insurance for this episode. O2 price really buffles me....maybe we should move too!

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Paul98 on Nov 8^th, 2008 at 5:37am

Pleas be very carefull refilling tanks!!! The DOT requires hydrostatic testing for a very good reason and that is metal fatigue from repeated pressurization. Eventually a tank will explode. It will be like a bomb going off.

Tanks can take a lot of fillings but I would have them hydrostatically tested every 3 years and bore scoped so they stay within DOT specs. I have seen SCUBA tanks fail and it's not pretty. Other than that I am all for refilling to save $$$

-P.

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Jonny on Nov 8^th, 2008 at 12:44pm

Oh, your talking about one of those?...Ive had mine for about 12 years...LOL ;D

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Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by shark boy on Nov 8^th, 2008 at 4:03pm

Paul mentioned something important on when we refill our own E tanks. The years can go by quick and they should be checked. A while back the valve on a E tank leaked. Instead of repairing it, I took it to my supplier, told him of the problem and exchanged it for a new tank.
Their was no charge for exchanging the defective tank just paid for the 02 in the tank....

Shark Boy

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Jonny on Nov 8^th, 2008 at 5:18pm

shark boy wrote on Nov 8^th, 2008 at 4:03pm:

Thats because the rental fee was paid. BTW: you didnt get a NEW tank, you got ANOTHER tank. ;)

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Marc on Nov 8^th, 2008 at 7:31pm

Ahhhhhhh, I'm one happy guy.

Had my standard wake up call about an hour after falling alseep last night and knocked that sucker down in 50 breaths. (I don't watch the clock, I count how inhale/exhales - gives me something to foucus on.

Hundreds of cubic feet of pure goodness...................

Marc

Title: Re: I fill My own E tanks
Post by Skull Buster on Jun 6^th, 2010 at 3:32pm

wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2008 at 10:50am:

Hot off the press!!! Thanks sharkboy.
I gotta get one of these.
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Thanks again sharkboy. These should answer your questions Dennis.
the bb 8-)

This will be my set up this week